Forest fire in Fitjar triggers emergency alert and evacuations

Emergency services have issued an urgent evacuation warning after a forest fire spread toward residential areas in Fitjar, Stord municipality, western Norway, Dagbladet reports.

The fire, first reported Sunday afternoon, has intensified, prompting police to send emergency alerts in both Norwegian and English at 9:22 PM. “There is a fire in the Koløy and Korsvik area, and you may be in a dangerous zone,” the alert stated. “Heavy smoke is developing, and the fire is not under control. Evacuations are underway in upper Korsvik, with further evacuations possible.”

Fitjar mayor Wenche Tislevoll described the situation as “dramatic and worsening.” “Two to three homes have been evacuated. It’s far more serious than it initially appeared,” Tislevoll told Dagbladet, adding that the crisis response team would convene urgently and a local school would open as a shelter.

Firefighting helicopters have been deployed since 8:00 PM, with a second en route to assist. Civil defence units are also responding, though thick smoke has hindered efforts to assess the fire’s full extent, according to Victor Fenne-Jensen, operations leader for the Sør-Vest police district.

Residents and onlookers have been ordered to keep a safe distance from the smoke and follow instructions from emergency services. Authorities urge the public to call emergency numbers only in life-threatening situations.